Broadening Broadband: What’s Next?

The new Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act aims to ensure that every American can access affordable, reliable, high-speed internet service. In Maryland, counties continue to develop approaches to this vexing issue, while federal funds through the State will complement local and private-sector initiatives.

MACo adopted “Build out Broadband” among its top legislative initiatives for 2021 and supported multiple successful initiatives. However, challenges remain as counties work with state, federal, and private sector partners to leverage unprecedented federal investments by accelerating service to underserved areas.

At the MACo Summer Conference, an expert panel will share best practices, strategies, and opportunities for overcoming hurdles to deployment, like securing easements from property owners, supply chain issues, and barriers to last-mile connectivity.

Broadening Broadband: What’s Next?

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the long-standing digital divide and underscored the need for rapid broadband infrastructure expansion. High-speed, reliable, and affordable broadband drives state and local economies, raising living standards, creating jobs, and delivering major advances in education, healthcare, teleworking, e-commerce, public safety, and security. However, challenges remain as counties work with state, federal, and private sector partners to leverage unprecedented federal investments by accelerating service to underserved areas. In this session, an expert panel will share best practices, strategies, and opportunities for overcoming hurdles to deployment, like securing easements from property owners, supply chain issues, and barriers to last-mile connectivity.

Speakers

  • Mitsuko Herrera, Director, ultraMontgomery Program, Office of Broadband Programs, Montgomery County
  • Kenrick Gordon, Director, Office of Statewide Broadband
  • Laura Toraldo, Executive Director, MD5G Partnership

Moderator: The Honorable Brian Feldman, Maryland Senate

Date/Time: Wednesday, August 17, 2022; 3:45 pm – 4:45 pm

The 2022 MACo Summer Conference will take place at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, MD, from August 17-22. This year’s theme is “Taking Care of Business.”

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: